Over 30 Palestinians Killed Trying to Reach US Group's Food Distribution Sites, Gaza Authorities Say

In a harrowing escalation of violence, Israeli forces opened fire on crowds of Palestinians attempting to access food distribution centers in southern Gaza operated by a U.S.- and Israeli-backed organization, killing at least 32 people, according to witnesses and hospital officials. The events, which unfolded on Saturday, have sparked international outrage and raised serious questions about the safety of humanitarian efforts in the region.

A Tragic Day in Khan Younis and Rafah

The violence occurred near distribution hubs managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group backed by the U.S. and Israel. The two incidents took place in the Teina area, around three kilometers from a GHF aid center east of Khan Younis, and in the Shakoush area, hundreds of meters north of another GHF hub in Rafah. In total, 39 people were killed, with many more injured.

Eyewitness Accounts of Indiscriminate Fire

Mahmoud Mokeimar, an eyewitness, described the scene as a massacre, with Israeli troops firing indiscriminately at the crowds. He recounted seeing at least three motionless bodies and many wounded fleeing the area. Another witness, Akram Aker, said the troops fired from tanks and drones, encircling the crowds before opening fire directly at them.

A Mother's Lament

Sanaa al-Jaberi, a 55-year-old woman, described the horror of the scene as she fled the area. “We shouted: ‘food, food,’ but they didn’t talk to us. They just opened fire,” she said. Monzer Fesifes, a Palestinian-Jordanian father, mourned the loss of his son, who was killed during the attack.

A Humanitarian Crisis Amid War

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which claims to be operating with the approval of the U.S. and Israel, has faced growing criticism for its role in the conflict. While the organization asserts that its work is aimed at alleviating the suffering of Gaza's population, the recent violence has raised serious concerns about its effectiveness and the safety of those relying on its aid.

The Role of the United Nations

The United Nations has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and greater protection for humanitarian workers in Gaza. However, the recent events highlight the challenges faced by international organizations in delivering aid to a region where violence continues to escalate.

A Call for Accountability

As the death toll rises and the international community watches, there is an urgent need for accountability. The lives lost in Khan Younis and Rafah serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.

The events in Khan Younis and Rafah are a tragic reminder of the human toll of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution that protects the most vulnerable.